Blazers forward signs NHL entry level contract

Rudolfs Balcers celebrating his 30th goal during the 2016-17 season with the Kamloops Blazers.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Kamloops Blazers

July 13, 2017 - 2:18 PM

KAMLOOPS – A Kamloops Blazer has signed an NHL contract.

Latvian Rudolfs Balcers, 20, has inked a standard, entry level contract with the San Jose Sharks, according to a media release from the Blazers. Balcers was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in 2015, the high scoring forward spent last season in Kamloops as a rookie.

"Rudolfs is a natural goal-scorer who has proven that he can find the back of the net when his team needs it most," assistant Blazers GM Joe Will says in the release. "His first season in North America showed he could keep up with a more physical game, while still being one of the more dynamic snipers in the league. We're excited to see him continue his development with our organization."

During the 2016–17 WHL season Balcers scored 40 goals in 66 games, ranking first amongst rookies. The forward was the Blazers top scorer and second in points.

Before joining the Blazers he also helped Latvia's U18 team win the Division 1 A World Junior Championship in 2013-14 and the U20 Division 1 A World Junior Championshipin 2015-16.

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